Themes: The Distinction Between Humans and Animals
The most prominent theme in Connell's story concerns the perceived line between animals and humans. This line is examined with regards to ethical questions around the hunting and killing of animals: Is it ethical for animals to be hunted? Are animals lesser beings who cannot think or feel to the extent that humans can? Is it any more ethical to kill animals than it would be to kill humans?
The trajectory of Raisnford’s views on these questions is ambiguous. It is unclear whether he has become a more open-minded person through having understood the fear that animals feel, or a worse one for having been encouraged to abandon his principles and kill Zaroff. At the beginning of the story, a debate ensues between Rainsford and his hunting companion, Whitney, who contends that even the jaguar can feel the fear of pain and the fear of death. Rainsford dismisses this idea as "soft." When he later encounters Zaroff and realizes that the general’s "most dangerous game" is man-hunting, he is horrified, saying that he is no "murderer" and will not take part in such a contest. However, Zaroff's argument is that it is actually more unethical to kill animals than it is to kill humans, because animals cannot reason. Hunting animals, according to Zaroff, is not a game at all, but simple killing, whereas hunting a rational human being poses a proper challenge against a foe who could reasonably win. Having shown Rainsford his collection of animal heads, he offers to show him his "new" collection of human ones, too. Rainsford declines, horrified by the idea. Rainsford is also perhaps unnerved by the fact that Zaroff seems to see little difference between the value of an animal life and the value of a human one.
It is difficult to unambiguously deem one viewpoint evil and the other good. Rainsford himself is a hunter, a man whose "sport" involves animal cruelty. It is arguably fitting that he should learn, through being hunted, how an animal feels when he stalks it to his death. Meanwhile, Zaroff has certainly killed animals in the past, but now he seems to feel that there is something distasteful about killing a being so less capable of reasoning than himself. At the end of the story, Zaroff is proven correct in his belief that a human could actually beat him at his own game. Meanwhile, Rainsford has overcome his scruples sufficiently to kill Zaroff; he has become a "murderer." But he has also potentially understood the cruelty he enacts on animals when he hunts them.
Expert Q&A
How would you interpret this quote from "The Most Dangerous Game": "the world is made up of two classes- the hunters and the huntees. Luckily, you and I are hunters."
The quote from "The Most Dangerous Game" signifies the main character, Sanger Rainsford's lack of empathy for animals, classifying the world into predators and prey. This statement foreshadows the plot as Rainsford, initially a hunter, becomes the hunted after falling overboard and landing on General Zaroff's island. His experience as the prey offers him a new perspective, replacing his previous apathy with empathy.
What does the ending of the story suggest about Rainsford's experience and the nature of humans?
The ending of "The Most Dangerous Game" suggests varied interpretations of Rainsford's experience and human nature. One view is that Rainsford gains empathy and changes after being hunted, realizing the fear his prey felt. Alternatively, his untroubled sleep may indicate no change, maintaining his predator mindset, or simply relief from surviving. A darker interpretation is Rainsford becoming like Zaroff, suggesting humans are inherently predatory, seeking power despite moral implications.
What message does Richard Connell convey in "The Most Dangerous Game" about Rainsford's transformation and the concept of 'kill or be killed'?
Richard Connell's "The Most Dangerous Game" explores themes of transformation and the moral implications of "kill or be killed." Rainsford's journey from a smug hunter to the hunted underscores the message that the roles of predator and prey can quickly reverse, highlighting the need for empathy and respect. The story critiques the gratuitous nature of violence for pleasure, as both Rainsford and Zaroff hunt for sport, not necessity, reflecting on the darker aspects of human nature.
Do people like Zaroff, whose manners mask their true nature, exist in real life?
Yes, people like Zaroff, who mask their true nature with manners, do exist in real life. Historical figures and fictional characters, like Adolf Hitler, Southern slave owners, and Jay Gatsby, exemplify this behavior, using courtesy to hide their darker sides. Additionally, many people disguise their true motives for personal gain, such as manipulating parents or engaging in scams, reflecting a common human tendency to conceal intentions.
In "The Most Dangerous Game," what are the General's three reasons for considering a person the "ideal animal to hunt"?
General Zaroff considers humans the ideal animal to hunt because they possess courage, cunning, and the ability to reason. These traits make humans more challenging and exciting to hunt compared to animals, which rely on instinct alone. Zaroff believes that humans' logical thinking and deceptive capabilities offer a more thrilling hunt, as they can intellectually compete with him, providing the challenge he seeks in his diabolical sport.
What does Zarroff mean by "Instinct is no match for reason," and do you agree or disagree with this statement?
General Zaroff's statement "Instinct is no match for reason" suggests that human reasoning surpasses animal instincts, making humans superior hunters. This view is supported by examples of human achievements, such as building in harsh environments and hunting animals to near extinction, like black rhinos and Bengal tigers. Humans, despite lacking physical prowess, dominate due to reasoning abilities, occupying the top of the food chain. Agreeing with Zaroff, reason typically overcomes instinct.
What new understanding about hunting does Rainsford gain by the story's end?
By the story's end, Rainsford gains a profound understanding of the fear and terror felt by hunted animals, as he experiences being prey himself. Initially dismissive of the notion that animals feel fear, Rainsford now comprehends this emotion through his own ordeal. Furthermore, he discovers a darker side of himself, realizing he derives excitement from the hunt, similar to Zaroff, contradicting his earlier condemnation of hunting humans.
Why does Zaroff consider Rainsford the ideal prey in "The Most Dangerous Game"?
In "The Most Dangerous Game," Zaroff considers Rainsford the ideal prey because Rainsford possesses the ability to reason, a trait Zaroff deems essential in a worthy opponent. Zaroff, bored with hunting animals that cannot think, seeks the thrill of hunting humans, who can use intelligence and cunning. Rainsford, a skilled hunter himself, presents the ultimate challenge for Zaroff, although he underestimates Rainsford's abilities. Rainsford's arrival on Ship-Trap Island is coincidental, making him Zaroff's next target.
In "The Most Dangerous Game," what does Whitney believe animals understand?
In "The Most Dangerous Game," Whitney believes that animals understand fear, specifically the fear of pain and death. This belief is expressed during an early exchange with Rainsford, highlighting one of the story's themes, the reversal of fortune. Whitney's insight foreshadows Rainsford's transformation from a hunter to the hunted, as he experiences fear firsthand during General Zaroff's deadly game, prompting reflection on the nature of hunting and its victims.
In "The Most Dangerous Game," why doesn't Zaroff consider his sport immoral and what prompts his immoral behaviour?
Zaroff does not consider his sport immoral because he views human life as having little value, a belief likely shaped by his war experiences. He criticizes the notion of murder as naive and outdated, arguing that life is meant for the strong. Zaroff justifies his actions by dehumanizing his victims, referring to them as "the scum of the earth." His behavior reflects a need to prove his superiority in a world he sees as survival of the fittest.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.
